I won't go down without a fight

Digital Native I am not, in any sense.  I recently purchased a lap top and only use it to type papers and read my email.  It's not that I haven't tried, I just find it overwhelming and frustrating.  I have in the past taught myself certain things, but I haven't been able to self-teach technology.  I think I'm being self-defiant.  

What type of immigrant am I?  Well I think I'm the type of immigrant that snuck into this technology world illegally and I want everyone to help me out, guide me and do the work for me. But I also need to hide out for awhile and not be seen. Maye if I hide out long enough and continue the way I've been teaching for 13 years, that it will go away.    I'm the type of immigrant that refuses to learn the lingo or adopt my new worlds culture.  I'll fight to the end to keep things the way they were (my comfort zone).  Although I'm also the type of immigrant that wants my daughter to take full advantage of all the benefits available to her and learn the new culture and immerse herself into it and become incredibly successful in that new culture.

I know there are overwhelming advantages and benefits to using technology in the classroom, but there are also great benefits to the way teaching has been done in the past.  Are children smarter today then when I was in school?  NECAP scores say no way!  World wide scores say absolutely not, among the industrilized nations.  We must as teachers and students come to a solution on how to integrate the 2 without compromising the education system. But we also need to have the funds available to bring this into the classroom if not we will continue to be livng in the dark ages.  

http://www.mff.org/pubs/ME161.pdf (   student achievement in the classroom with technology)

http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html(( higher student self esteem linked to the use of technology in the classroom.)


 

Me

The summer of 2012 is going by very quickly just like the school year.  I was recently in Target and the summer goods were gone!!  They have been replaced by Back to School supplies! Are you kidding me?  But aside from time slipping away, my summer is going very well.  Ireland enjoys being home with me and having me all to herself.  We've been playing outside just about everyday, playing on the swings or teaching her to ride her new RadioFlyer tricycle.  We are planning a trip this August to Santas Village and Story Land, we're both very excited. 

I had been looking forward to this class to learn how to integrate technology into my classroom (even thought i don't have it available yet), to hopefully learn some basics since I am a technology immigrant and  finally because I enjoy Dr. Bogad and her laid back approach.  Right now my brain is in summer mode so hopefully I can get on track and focus.

I have been teaching junior high Social Studies for 13 years in Warwick and most years I love it.  This past year was a joy to be in the classroom, despite learning about the new teachers evaluation system.  Social Studies has  been a passion of mine since high school, where I had the most amazing teachers. Each year I hope to instill that love to my students.   When not in school and when not taking classes, I enjoy spending time with my daughter Ireland and spending time with friends, which usually involves our kids. I love the Red Sox, although it looks like another disappointing season, dining out and spending time with family.